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Need a "new" tractor - GT5000 vs DGT6000

5637 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  craftsmanmowerfreak
Buying a new property too far from where I live to be trailering equipment back and forth. So looking to buy a good used machine that I can keep there. The selection of used equipment in western Washington isn't great. While it would be great to get a HD "classic" like a Case 123 or IH Cub 782 those are pretty much unobtanium around here. A restored Suburban might fit the bill but those too are in short supply.

One thing I'd like is to be able to use the hitch and rear blade from my old GT18. I came across this popular mechanics article, Comparison Test - 5 Garden Tractors which talks up the Craftsman 917.276380. I think this is the DGT6000 but don't know what year. Other web searching leads me to believe that the main difference between the DGT6000 and the GT5000 is the DGT uses a heavier gauge of metal for the frame.

An occasional DGT shows up on Craigslist and the GT5000 models are relatively common. They're also not so old as be be completely worn out. I need something that's ready to mow; already have enough projects.

Thoughts on these two and insights about what changed over the model years would be much appreciated. As well as comments on performance and reliability from people that have owned one.
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I have an '05 GT5000 #917-276310. It has a manual transaxle with 48" deck. A 54" deck was optional. B&S 24 ELS motor, but a Kohler was available at this time also. I think you got a 25hp motor if you got the auto transaxle.

The same year of GT6000 that I've ever seen had a 54 or 60" deck, auto transaxle(fender shift) and an hour meter. Usually had a Kohler engine with 25 or 26hp engine. I believe it came with 24x12x12 rear tires over the 23x10.50x12 that the GT5000 used. Believe the body color red with white wheel hubs was also used. I think the frame gauge steel was same as GT5000.

I've seen some DGT's and they all had upgraded seats w/armrests, 60" decks, hour meter, and I believe some had electric deck lifts, but that may of come about when the PGT6500/9000(Pro Garden Tractor) came out. Don't remember when DGT came out but 2008/9 seems about right. Black with grey hubs as color for the first years. I've yet to see any DGT with manual and H/L range transaxle.
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